Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Magpie Tail #44, "Life's Run", by Margaret Bednar, 75/365

My submission to Magpie 44. (Magpie photo at bottom of this post) Click HERE to see other entries. This is actually my 2nd version - I need to learn to massage a poem, alter and ponder the words, and make changes before I post it. I have submitted this to Wednesday's One Shot Poetry. Click HERE to see other entries - you won't be disappointed if you do.

Life's RunGrant me a moment to indulge in reminiscence, ofAn earlier time displayed by this fading image of youth.A moment to relive the joy of exuberant bumps,Unexpected bounces, graceful glides and surprising finishes.

Vigor slowly seeping from these hands of mine, I

Fondly recall their firmness and courage as they

grasped the Roman shield of life and descended

Life's hill, engaging in battle, in search of just rewards.

My heart faintly beats with fond recollection of

Youthful force careening and bold.

Strength of convictions and destiny held the

Keys to reason, untutored but sure.

I preferred the path of a clipper, sporting and fearless

No dainty cutter, I. Cherubs and beauty no lure, that is

Until knocked off, tumbling and lost half way in life.

Grasping for a hold, seeking a descent, controlled and safe.

Steadying and slowing the pace of life, your

sweetness and joy created newfound momentum.

As unique a design hand-painted on dear Rosebud, you

A cutter after all I rode, with new precious cargo aboard.

A twisting of the previously "foreseen" path, I proudly

Showcased you, my "top-of-the-line" model, steerable by small degree.

A bit of a wild ride ensued on your very own red painted Flyer

Gradually my own runners worn, I watched you speed ahead.

Gliding towards the finish line, heart-bounty secured,

My life's force grateful and content, with

Vintage paint crackling, vibrant no longer, I

Resplendently slide to a stop, anticipating the ascent.

by Margaret Bednar

The above photos are ones I found in my boxes that desperately need organization. The top is of my oldest sister who passed away when I was two years of age. The poem is obviously not about her, nor anyone actually - just made up in my head. The bottom is my husband with two of his brothers - he is sandwiched in between. I think this is my first unstructured poem - not rhyming or counting syllables. Not sure what it is called... freeform?

When researching for the above poem, I learned that Roman soldiers used their shields to sled down hills during battle. In the late 1800's and early - mid 1900's, sleds were designed specifically for boys (clippers) low slung and fast, and for girls (cutters) dainty and "safer". "Rosebud" is a reference to a line in the movie "Citizen Kane"... Many say this is one of the best movies of all time... Before mass production, many sleds had hand-painted designs - and this is what makes them highly collectable today. The "Flexible Flyer" was one of the first sleds that touted some control with steering.

Dear Carol:"bit of a wild ride ensued on your very own red painted Flyer"What a great collection of poetry, photography and history of the sled! Oh to be young and innocent as the beautiful children in these snapshots! A treat!

Shashi - thank you. The older I get, the more I realize to slow down and relish the "ride". It will all come to an end soon enough without our racing to the finish line. Sort of like "stop and smell the roses" while you can. This poem was a labor of love, that's for sure. I'm glad you liked it.

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"What should I say about your tendency to doubt your struggle or to harmonize your inner and outer life? My wish is ever strong that you find enough patience within you and enough simplicity to have faith. May you gain more and more trust in what is challenging, and confidence in the solitude you bear. Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right in any case." (Rainer Maria Rilke) Furnborg, Jonsered, Sweden, November 4, 1904 Letters to a Young Poet